US20220102807A1 - Storage battery module - Google Patents
Storage battery module Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220102807A1 US20220102807A1 US17/427,609 US202017427609A US2022102807A1 US 20220102807 A1 US20220102807 A1 US 20220102807A1 US 202017427609 A US202017427609 A US 202017427609A US 2022102807 A1 US2022102807 A1 US 2022102807A1
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- Prior art keywords
- case
- storage battery
- discharge port
- battery module
- discharge path
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- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 18
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 18
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 8
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 3
- HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium ion Chemical group [Li+] HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000002159 abnormal effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910001416 lithium ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/30—Arrangements for facilitating escape of gases
- H01M50/35—Gas exhaust passages comprising elongated, tortuous or labyrinth-shaped exhaust passages
- H01M50/367—Internal gas exhaust passages forming part of the battery cover or case; Double cover vent systems
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/05—Accumulators with non-aqueous electrolyte
- H01M10/052—Li-accumulators
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
- H01M10/44—Methods for charging or discharging
- H01M10/443—Methods for charging or discharging in response to temperature
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/10—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
- H01M50/102—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by their shape or physical structure
- H01M50/107—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by their shape or physical structure having curved cross-section, e.g. round or elliptic
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
- H01M50/204—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
- H01M50/207—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape
- H01M50/213—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape adapted for cells having curved cross-section, e.g. round or elliptic
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
- H01M50/284—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders with incorporated circuit boards, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to storage battery modules and, more particularly, to a storage battery module that houses a plurality of storage battery cells.
- High-capacity, high-voltage, high-output, and high-safety battery packs are in demand.
- the housing of the battery pack that houses battery may be damaged, melted, or overheated, or the emitted flammable gas may be leaked outside the battery pack.
- the heat generated by the flammable gas may cause adjacent batteries to be at a high temperature successively, with result that all batteries in the battery pack may become abnormal, or the housing of the battery pack may be melted by the heat.
- the battery pack is provided with an opening for discharging the flammable gas outside (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).
- the distance between the battery emitting the flammable gas and the opening becomes short. As a result, the high-temperature high-pressure gas is discharged outside from the opening of the battery pack.
- the present disclosure addresses the above-described issue, and a general purpose thereof is to provide a technology for inhibiting the high-temperature high-pressure gas emitted from a battery undergoing thermal runaway from being discharged outside.
- a storage battery module includes: a plurality of storage battery cells; an inner case that houses the plurality of storage battery cells; and an outer case that houses the inner case.
- An inner discharge port is provided in the inner case, an outer discharge port is provided in the outer case, and a first discharge path from a first position at the inner discharge port to a second position and a second discharge path from the second position to a third position at the outer discharge port are provided in a space between the inner case and the outer case.
- the high-temperature high-pressure gas emitted from a battery undergoing thermal runaway is inhibited from being discharged outside.
- FIGS. 1A-1D are perspective views showing a structure of a storage battery module according to embodiment 1 ;
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of the storage battery module of FIGS. 1A-1D ;
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of the storage battery module of FIGS. 1A-1D ;
- FIG. 4 is another partial perspective view showing a structure of the storage battery module of FIGS. 1A-1D ;
- FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional view showing a structure of the storage battery module of FIGS. 1A-1D ;
- FIGS. 6A-6B are perspective views showing a structure of a storage battery module according to embodiment 2;
- FIGS. 7A-7D are further perspective views showing a structure of the storage battery module of FIGS. 6A-6B ;
- FIGS. 8A-8B show a discharge path of the high-temperature high-pressure gas in the storage battery module of FIGS. 6A-6B ;
- FIGS. 9A-9D are perspective views showing a structure of a storage battery module according to embodiment 3.
- This embodiment relates to a storage battery module in which a plurality of storage battery cells are housed.
- the storage battery is a lithium ion secondary battery
- a gas is generated in the storage battery cell in the event that an internal short-circuit occurs. Generation of the gas increases the pressure in the storage battery cell, but the safety mechanism discharges the gas from the anode side outside the storage battery cell.
- the gas in this case is at a high temperature and a high pressure so that combustion induced by the gas causes other storage battery cells in the storage battery module to undergo thermal runaway (catch fire). The spread of fire may burn the entirety of the storage battery module or the entire product.
- a plurality of storage battery cells are housed in an inner case, and the inner case is housed in an outer case.
- An inner discharge port is provided in the inner case, and an outer discharge port is provided in the outer case.
- a discharge path on which the high-temperature high-pressure gas is circulated is provided between the inner case and the outer case.
- FIGS. 1A-1D are perspective views showing a structure of a storage battery module 1000 .
- an orthogonal coordinate system including an x axis, y axis, and a z axis is defined.
- the x axis and y axis are orthogonal to each other in the bottom plane of the storage battery module 1000 .
- the z axis is perpendicular to the x axis and y axis and extends in the height (vertical) direction of the storage battery module 1000 .
- the positive directions of the x axis, y axis, and z axis are defined in the directions of arrows in FIGS.
- the negative directions are defined in the directions opposite to those of the arrows.
- the positive direction side along the x axis may be referred to as “forward” or “frontward”
- the negative direction side along the x axis may be referred to as “behind” or “rearward”
- the positive direction side along the z axis may be referred to as “upward” or “toward the top”
- the negative direction side along the z axis may be referred to as “downward” or “toward the bottom”.
- the positive direction side along the y axis may be referred to as “rightward”
- the negative direction side along the y axis may be referred to as “leftward”.
- FIG. 1A shows an appearance of a storage battery module 1000 .
- the storage battery module 1000 includes an outer case 100 , an upper case 400 , and a lower case 500 .
- the upper case 400 and the lower case 500 are also exposed outside and so may be included in the outer case 100 .
- the combination of the outer case 100 , the upper case 400 , and the lower case 500 have a box shape elongated in the vertical direction.
- the outer case 100 includes a first outer plate 110 a, a second outer plate 110 b, a third outer plate 110 c, and a fourth outer plate 110 d (not shown), which are generically referred to as outer plates 110 , and is located on the side surfaces of the box shape.
- Each outer plate 110 has a shape of a rectangular plate and is made of, for example, metal.
- the upper case 400 is connected to the upper side of the outer case 100 and represents the lid part of the outer case 100 .
- An arch-shaped handle 410 projecting upward is provided in the upper case 400 .
- the upper case 400 is made of, for example, resin or metal.
- the lower case 500 is connected to the lower side of the outer case 100 and represents the bottom part of the outer case 100 .
- the lower case 500 has a shape projecting further downward from the outer case 100 .
- the lower case 500 is made of, for example, resin.
- FIG. 1B shows a structure revealed when the outer case 100 of FIG. 1A is removed.
- a front case 240 and a rear case 250 are provided inside the outer case 100 .
- the front case 240 includes a front case front surface 242 and a front case side surface 244 .
- the front case front surface 242 has a shape of a rectangular plate extending on the x-y plane
- the front case side surface 244 has a shape of a rectangular plate extending on the z-x plane.
- the front case side surface 244 is provided to extend rearward from the right side end of the front case front surface 242 .
- the rear case 250 includes a rear case rear surface 252 and a rear case side surface 254 .
- the rear case rear surface 252 has a shape of a rectangular plate extending on the x-y plane
- the rear case side surface 254 has a shape of a rectangular plate extending on the z-x plane.
- the rear case side surface 254 is provided to extend frontward from the right side end of the rear case rear surface 252 .
- the front case side surface 244 and the rear case side surface 254 are connected such that the rear end of the front case side surface 244 and the front end of the rear case side surface 254 are in contact.
- the front case side surface 244 and the rear case side surface 254 form a single surface, and the surface is referred to as a second surface 272 .
- the front case front surface 242 is referred to as a first surface 270
- the rear case rear surface 252 is referred to as a third surface 274 .
- the first surface 270 faces the first outer plate 110 a of the outer case 100 .
- the second surface 272 faces the second outer plate 110 b of the outer case 100 and is adjacent to the first surface 270 .
- the third surface 274 faces the third outer plate 110 c of the outer case 100 , is adjacent to the second surface 272 , and faces a direction opposite to the first surface 270 .
- the combination of the front case 240 and the rear case 250 has three rectangular surfaces.
- the front case 240 and the rear case 250 are made of, for example, metal. The detail of the structure in the front case 240 and the rear case 250 will be described in detail later.
- FIG. 1C shows a structure revealed when the front case 240 of FIG. 1B is removed.
- a battery holder 230 is provided inside the front case 240 and the rear case 250 .
- the battery holder 230 has a box shape elongated in the vertical direction.
- the battery holder 230 is made of an insulative material such as resin.
- FIG. 1D shows a structure revealed when the battery holder 230 of FIG. 1C is removed.
- a first storage battery assembly 200 a, a second storage battery assembly 200 b, a third storage battery assembly 200 c, and a fourth storage battery assembly 200 d, which are generically referred to as storage battery assemblies 200 are arranged in the vertical direction inside the battery holder 230 .
- Eight storage battery cells 210 are included in each storage battery assembly 200 .
- the number of storage battery assemblies 200 is not limited to “4”, and the number of storage battery cells 210 included in one storage battery assembly 200 is not limited to “8”.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of the storage battery module 1000 .
- the storage battery module 1000 includes an outer case 100 , a battery holder 230 , a front case 240 , a rear case 250 , an upper case 400 , a lower case 500 , an upper packing 600 , and a lower packing 610 . These constituting elements are connected by screws, welding, adhesive materials, etc. A publicly known technology may be used so that a description thereof is omitted.
- the battery holder 230 has a box shape elongated in the vertical direction and houses the first storage battery assembly 200 a through the fourth storage battery assembly 200 d.
- Each storage battery assembly 200 includes a plurality of storage battery cells 210 .
- the storage battery cell 210 is, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery having a columnar shape.
- An anode 212 and a cathode 214 facing opposite directions are provided at the ends of columnar shape of the storage battery cell 210 .
- a publicly known technology may be used for the storage battery cell 210 .
- the high-temperature high-pressure gas is discharged from the anode 212 .
- Some of the plurality of storage battery cells 210 are provided such that the anode 212 faces frontward, and the rest of the storage battery cells 210 are provided such that the cathode 214 faces frontward.
- the former represents arranging the anode 212 to face the first surface 270
- the latter represents arranging the cathode 214 to face the first surface 270 .
- the number of storage battery cells 210 arranged in the former manner and the number of storage battery cells 210 arranged in the latter manner are identical.
- the front surface and a portion of the right surface of the battery holder 230 are covered by the front case 240 , and the rear surface and the remaining portion of the right surface of the battery holder 230 are covered by the rear case 250 .
- the combination of the battery holder 230 , the front case 240 , and the rear case 250 is an inner case 220 , and the inner case 220 houses a plurality of storage battery cells 210 inside.
- a left side wall 280 extending in the vertical direction is provided at the left edge of the first surface 270 of the front case 240 .
- the left side wall 280 projects frontward to be in contact with the first outer plate 110 a of the outer case 100 .
- a right side wall 282 extending in the vertical direction is provided at the right edge of the first surface 270 of the front case 240 .
- the right side wall 282 also projects frontward to be in contact with the first outer plate 110 a of the outer case 100 .
- the left side wall 280 extends across substantially the entirety of the first surface 270 in the vertical direction, but the right side wall 282 extends in a length shorter than the left side wall 280 , and a passage groove 284 is provided above the right side wall 282 .
- the passage groove 284 connects the first surface 270 and the second surface 272 continuously.
- a first inner discharge port 260 a extending in the horizontal direction is provided on the lower side of the area of the first surface 270 sandwiched by the left side wall 280 and the right side wall 282 .
- the first inner discharge port 260 a extends through the first surface 270 .
- the third surface 274 of the rear case 250 has a structure similar to that of the first surface 270 . Therefore, like the passage groove 284 in the first surface 270 , a passage groove 294 is provided in the third surface 274 .
- the passage groove 294 connects the third surface 274 and the second surface 272 continuously.
- a second inner discharge port 260 b extending in the horizontal direction is provided in the lower part of the third surface 274 .
- the second inner discharge port 260 b extends through the third surface 274 .
- an intermediate discharge port 264 extending in the horizontal direction is provided in the lower part of the second surface 272 .
- the intermediate discharge port 264 opens to be connected to an extended space 510 provided inside the lower case 500 .
- the extended space 510 is a space that opens upward. The opening of the extended space 510 is blocked by the battery holder 230 , the front case 240 , and the rear case 250 outside the portion connected to the intermediate discharge port 264 .
- the extended space 510 is connected to an outer discharge port (not shown) provided in the lower case 500 .
- the lower case 500 is connected to the outer case 100 via the lower packing 610
- the outer case 100 is connected to the upper case 400 via the upper packing 600 . In this way, the outer case 100 houses the battery holder 230 , the front case 240 , and the rear case 250 .
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of the storage battery module 1000 and is an A-A′ cross-sectional view of FIG. 1A .
- a plurality of storage battery cells 210 are arranged in the battery holder 230 , and one of the cells is shown as a first storage battery cell 210 a.
- the first storage battery cell 210 a is provided such that the anode 212 faces frontward, and the cathode 214 faces rearward.
- the first storage battery cell 210 a In the case the first storage battery cell 210 a undergoes thermal runaway, the first storage battery cell 210 a emits a high-temperature high-pressure gas from the anode 212 .
- the space between the battery holder 230 and the first surface 270 opens in the first inner discharge port 260 a so that the high-temperature high-pressure gas is guided to the first inner discharge port 260 a as it comes into contact with the first surface 270 .
- the temperature of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is reduced.
- the path from the storage battery cell 210 to a first position 300 where the first inner discharge port 260 a is provided is referred to as a first inner discharge path 330 a.
- the high-temperature high-pressure gas is discharged from the first inner discharge port 260 a to the space between the first surface 270 and the first outer plate 110 a and is guided to a second position 302 as it comes into contact with the first surface 270 and the first outer plate 110 a.
- the second position is a portion connected to the second surface 272 and includes, for example, the passage groove 284 and the passage groove 294 .
- the path from the first position 300 to the second position 302 is referred to as a first discharge path 332 .
- the first discharge path 332 includes the first inner discharge port 260 a and is formed on the first surface 270 .
- the storage battery cell 210 adjacent to the first storage battery cell 210 a is shown as a second storage battery cell 210 b.
- the second storage battery cell 210 b is provided such that the anode 212 faces rearward, and the cathode 214 faces frontward.
- the second storage battery cell 210 b undergoes thermal runaway, the second storage battery cell 210 b emits a high-temperature high-pressure gas from the anode 212 .
- the space between the battery holder 230 and the third surface 274 opens in the second inner discharge port 260 b so that the high-temperature high-pressure gas is guided to the second inner discharge port 260 b as it comes into contact with the third surface 274 .
- the path from the storage battery cell 210 to a third position 304 where the second inner discharge port 260 b is provided is referred to as a second inner discharge path 330 b.
- the high-temperature high-pressure gas is discharged from the second inner discharge port 260 b to the space between the third surface 274 and the third outer plate 110 c and is guided to the second position 302 as it comes into contact with the third surface 274 and the third outer plate 110 c. As the high-temperature high-pressure gas comes into contact with the third surface 274 and the third outer plate 110 c, the temperature of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is reduced.
- the path from the third position 304 to the second position 302 is referred to as a third discharge path 336 .
- the third discharge path 336 includes the second inner discharge port 260 b and is formed on the third surface 274 .
- FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing a structure of the storage battery module 1000 and shows the upper part of the storage battery module 1000 .
- the high-temperature high-pressure gas traveling along the first discharge path 332 moves from the passage groove 284 to the second surface 272 .
- the high-temperature high-pressure gas traveling along the third discharge path 336 moves from the passage groove 294 to the second surface 272 .
- the part including the passage groove 284 and the passage groove 294 is shown, as described above, as the second position 302 , and the high-temperature high-pressure gas moves from the second position 302 as it comes into contact with the second surface 272 and the second outer plate 110 b.
- the path from the second position 302 is referred to as a second discharge path 334 .
- the second discharge path 334 is formed on the second surface 272 .
- FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional view showing a structure of the storage battery module 1000 and is a B-B′ cross-sectional view of FIG. 1A .
- the high-temperature high-pressure gas from the second position 302 travels to the intermediate discharge port 264 as it comes into contact with the second surface 272 and the second outer plate 110 b and is discharged from the intermediate discharge port 264 to the extended space 510 .
- the extended space 510 is larger than the inner discharge path 330 , the first discharge path 332 and is larger than the second discharge path 334 and the third discharge path 336 leading to the extended space 510 .
- the high-temperature high-pressure gas enters the extended space 510 , the pressure of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is reduced, and the temperature of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is reduced.
- an outer discharge port 520 connected to the extended space 510 is provided in the lower part of the lower case 500 .
- the outer discharge port 520 extends through the lower case 500 .
- the high-temperature high-pressure gas in the extended space 510 is discharged outside from the outer discharge port 520 .
- the path from the second position 302 to the third position 304 where the outer discharge port 520 is located is the second discharge path 334 .
- the rear surface of the battery holder 230 is shown as a fourth surface 276 .
- the fourth surface 276 faces the fourth outer plate 110 d of the outer case 100 , is adjacent to the first surface 270 and the third surface 274 , and faces a direction opposite to the second surface 272 .
- a control circuit 278 is provided on the fourth surface 276 .
- the control circuit 278 is, for example, a circuit for controlling charging or discharging in the storage battery module 1000 .
- a connection terminal 530 is provided in the neighborhood of the outer discharge port 520 in the lower part of the lower case 500 .
- the connection terminal 530 is a part connected to a charging table (not shown) to charge the storage battery module 1000 .
- the connection terminal 530 and the storage battery cell 210 are connected by a cable 540 .
- the high-temperature high-pressure gas emitted from the storage battery cell 210 is discharged from the outer discharge port 520 via the first discharge path 332 and the second discharge path 334 . Therefore, the path on which the high-temperature high-pressure gas travels in the storage battery module 1000 can be extended. Since the path on which the high-temperature high-pressure gas travels in the storage battery module 1000 is extended, the high-temperature high-pressure gas can be cooled. Since the high-temperature high-pressure gas is cooled, the high-temperature high-pressure gas emitted from a battery undergoing thermal runaway can be inhibited from from being discharged outside.
- the first discharge path 332 is formed on the first surface 270 in the inner case 220 and the second discharge path 334 is formed on the second surface 272 , the first discharge path 332 and the second discharge path 334 can be arranged in a streamlined fashion. Since the first discharge path 332 and the second discharge path 334 can be arranged in a streamlined fashion, the size of the storage battery module 1000 can be reduced.
- the second discharge path 334 passes through the extended space 510 provided between the second surface 272 and the outer discharge port 520 , the pressure of the high-temperature high-pressure gas can be reduced. Since the pressure of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is reduced, the high-temperature high-pressure gas can be cooled.
- the storage battery cell 210 with the anode 212 facing the first surface 270 and the storage battery cell 210 with the anode 212 faces the third surface 274 can be arranged. Since the fourth surface 276 is provided separately from the first surface 270 through the third surface 274 , the impact of the high-temperature high-pressure gas can be reduced on the fourth surface 276 . Since the impact of the high-temperature high-pressure gas can be reduced on the fourth surface 276 , the temperature of the control circuit 278 is inhibited from rising. Since the control circuit 278 is provided on the fourth surface 276 , the arrangement can be streamlined. Since the arrangement can be streamlined, the size of the storage battery module 1000 can be reduced.
- a storage battery module ( 1000 , 2000 ) includes: a plurality of storage battery cells ( 210 , 2210 ); an inner case ( 220 , 2220 ) that houses the plurality of storage battery cells ( 210 , 2210 ); and an outer case ( 100 , 2100 ) that houses the inner case ( 220 , 2220 ).
- An inner discharge port ( 260 , 2260 ) is provided in the inner case ( 220 , 2220 ), an outer discharge port ( 520 , 2520 ) is provided in the outer case ( 100 , 2100 ), and a first discharge path ( 332 , 2332 ) from a first position ( 300 , 2300 ) at the inner discharge port ( 260 , 2260 ) to a second position ( 302 , 2302 ) and a second discharge path ( 334 , 2334 ) from the second position ( 302 , 2302 ) to a third position ( 304 , 2304 ) at the outer discharge port ( 520 , 2520 ) are provided in a space between the inner case ( 220 , 2220 ) and the outer case ( 100 , 2100 ).
- the inner case ( 220 ) may include a first surface ( 270 ) facing the outer case ( 100 ) and a second surface ( 272 ) facing the outer case ( 100 ) and adjacent to the first surface ( 270 ).
- the first discharge path ( 332 ) is formed on the first surface ( 270 )
- the second discharge path ( 334 ) is formed on the second surface ( 272 ).
- the inner discharge port ( 260 ) is provided on the first surface ( 270 ), the outer discharge port ( 520 ) is provided outside the second surface ( 272 ), and the second discharge path ( 334 ) passes through an extended space ( 510 ) provided between the second surface ( 272 ) and the outer discharge port ( 520 ).
- the inner case ( 220 ) may further include a third surface ( 274 ) that faces the outer case ( 100 ), is adjacent to the second surface ( 272 ), and faces a direction opposite to the first surface ( 270 ).
- Some of the plurality of storage battery cells ( 210 ) may be provided in the inner case ( 220 ) such that an anode ( 212 ) faces the first surface ( 270 ), the rest of the plurality of storage battery cells ( 210 ) may be provided in the inner case ( 220 ) such that the anode ( 212 ) faces the third surface ( 274 ), the inner discharge port ( 260 ) may include a first inner discharge port ( 260 a ) provided on the first surface ( 270 ) and a second inner discharge port ( 260 b ) provided on the third surface ( 274 ).
- the first discharge path ( 332 ) may include the first inner discharge port ( 260 a ).
- a third discharge path ( 336 ) for joining the second discharge path ( 334 ) leading from the second inner discharge port ( 260 ) is provided on the third surface ( 274 ) in a space between the inner case ( 220 ) and the outer case ( 100 ).
- the inner case ( 220 ) may further include a fourth surface ( 276 ) that faces the outer case ( 100 ), is adjacent to the first surface ( 270 ) and the third surface ( 274 ), and faces a direction opposite to the second surface ( 272 ).
- a control circuit ( 278 ) is provided on the fourth surface ( 276 ).
- embodiment 2 relates to a storage battery module in which a plurality of storage battery cells are housed.
- the first discharge path and the second discharge path are formed by using different surfaces of the inner case.
- an intermediate case is provided between the outer case and the inner case, the first discharge path is formed between the inner case and the intermediate case, and the second discharge path is formed between the intermediate case and the outer case.
- FIGS. 6A-6B are perspective views showing a structure of a storage battery module 2000 .
- FIG. 6A shows an appearance of the storage battery module 2000
- FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the storage battery module 2000 from below.
- the storage battery module 2000 includes an outer case 2100 and a lower case 2500 .
- the lower case 2500 is also exposed outside and so may be included in the outer case 2100 .
- the outer case 2100 has a shape of a box elongated in the vertical direction.
- the outer case 2100 includes a first outer plate 2110 a, a second outer plate 2110 b, a third outer plate 2110 c, and a fourth outer plate 2110 d, which are generically referred to as outer plates 2110 , an outer case lower surface 2120 , and an outer case upper surface 2130 .
- Each outer plate 2110 , the outer case lower surface 2120 , and the outer case upper surface 2130 have a shape of a rectangular plate and are made of, for example, metal.
- the lower case 2500 has a shape of a box and is connected to the outer case lower surface 2120 of the outer case 2100 .
- a connection terminal 2530 is provided on the bottom surface of the lower case 2500 , and two outer discharge ports 2520 are provided to sandwich the connection terminal 2530 .
- the connection terminal 2530 and the outer discharge port 2520 correspond to the connection terminal 530 and the outer discharge port 520 of embodiment 1.
- the lower case 2500 is made of, for example, resin.
- FIG. 6A shows the interior of the outer case 2100 transparently.
- An intermediate case 2600 is provided in the outer case 2100 .
- the intermediate case 2600 has a shape of a box elongated in the vertical direction and is made of, for example, metal. The structure of the outer case 2100 will be described later.
- FIGS. 7A-7D are further perspective views showing a structure of the storage battery module 2000 .
- FIG. 7A shows the structure of the outer case 2100 and the lower case 2500 , and shows a structure similar to that of FIG. 1A .
- FIG. 7 b shows a structure of the intermediate case 2600 housed in the outer case 2100 .
- the intermediate case 2600 includes an intermediate case front surface 2640 , an intermediate case right surface 2642 , an intermediate case rear surface 2644 , an intermediate case left surface 2646 , an intermediate case upper surface 2648 , and an intermediate case lower surface 2650 . These parts have a shape of a rectangular plate and are made of, for example, metal.
- a rectangular intermediate discharge port 2264 is provided on the intermediate case upper surface 2648 .
- the intermediate discharge port 2264 extends through the intermediate case upper surface 2648 .
- FIG. 7C shows a structure of an inner case 2220 housed in the intermediate case 2600 .
- the inner case includes an inner case 2220 front surface 2240 , an inner case right surface 2242 , an inner case rear surface 2244 , an inner case left surface 2246 , an inner case upper surface 2248 , and an inner case lower surface 2250 . These parts have a shape of a rectangular plate and are made of, for example, metal.
- Two rectangular inner discharge ports 2260 are provided on the inner case lower surface 2250 .
- the inner discharge port 2260 corresponds to the inner discharge port 260 of embodiment 1 and extends through the inner case lower surface 2250 .
- FIG. 7D shows a structure of a battery holder 2230 housed in the inner case 2220 .
- a plurality of storage battery assemblies 2200 are housed in the battery holder 2230 , and each storage battery assembly 2200 includes a plurality of storage battery cells 2210 .
- Some of the plurality of storage battery cells 2210 have an anode 2212 facing frontward, and the resto of the plurality of storage battery cells 2210 have a cathode 2214 facing frontward.
- the storage battery assembly 2200 , the storage battery cell 2210 , the anode 2212 , the cathode 2214 , and the battery holder 2230 correspond to the storage battery assembly 200 , the storage battery cell 210 , the anode 212 , the cathode 214 , and the battery holder 230 of embodiment 1, respectively.
- FIGS. 8A-8B show a discharge path of the high-temperature high-pressure gas in the storage battery module 2000 .
- FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of the storage battery module 2000 and is an C-C′ cross-sectional view of FIG. 6A .
- a plurality of storage battery cells 2210 are arranged in the battery holder 2230 , and one of the cells is shown as a first storage battery cell 2210 a.
- the first storage battery cell 2210 a is provided such that the anode 2212 faces frontward, and the cathode 214 faces rearward.
- the first storage battery cell 2210 a In the case the first storage battery cell 2210 a undergoes thermal runaway, the first storage battery cell 2210 a emits a high-temperature high-pressure gas from the anode 2212 .
- the space between the battery holder 2230 and the inner case front surface 2240 opens in the inner discharge port 2260 so that the high-temperature high-pressure gas is guided to the inner discharge port 2260 as it comes into contact with the inner case front surface 2240 .
- the temperature of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is reduced.
- the path from the storage battery cell 2210 to a first position 2300 where the inner discharge port 2260 is provided is referred to as an inner discharge path 2330 .
- the high-temperature high-pressure gas is discharged from the inner discharge port 2260 to the space between the inner case front surface 2240 and the intermediate case front surface 2640 and to the space between the inner case rear surface 2244 and the intermediate case rear surface 2644 .
- the high-temperature high-pressure gas is also discharged to the space between the inner case right surface 2242 and the intermediate case right surface 2642 and to the space between the inner case left surface 2246 and the intermediate case left surface 2646 , although this is omitted in FIGS. 8A-8B .
- the high-temperature high-pressure gas is guided to the second position 2302 as it comes into contact with the inner case front surface 2240 and then the inner case left surface 2246 , and with the intermediate case front surface 2640 and then the intermediate case left surface 2646 .
- An intermediate discharge port 2264 is provided at the second position 2302 .
- the path from the first position 2300 to the second position 2302 is referred to as a first discharge path 2332 .
- the first discharge path 2332 includes the inner discharge port 2260 and is formed in the space between the inner case 2220 and the intermediate case 2600 .
- the high-temperature high-pressure gas is discharged from the intermediate discharge port 2264 to the space between the intermediate case front surface 2640 and the first outer plate 2110 a and to the space between the intermediate case rear surface 2644 and the third outer plate 2110 c.
- the high-temperature high-pressure gas is also discharged to the space between the intermediate case right surface 2642 and the second outer plate 2110 b and to the space between the intermediate case left surface 2646 and the fourth outer plate 2110 d, although this is omitted in FIGS. 8A-8B .
- the high-temperature high-pressure gas is guided to the third position 2304 as it comes into contact with the intermediate case front surface 2640 and then the intermediate case left surface 2646 and with the outer plate 2110 .
- the outer discharge port 2520 is provided at the third position 2304 .
- the path from the second position 2302 to the third position 2304 is referred to as a second discharge path 2334 .
- the second discharge path 2334 includes the intermediate discharge port 2264 and the outer discharge port 2520 and is formed in the space between the intermediate case 2600 and the outer case 2100 .
- the second discharge path 2334 passes through an extended space 2510 provided between the space and the outer discharge port 2520 .
- the extended space 2510 corresponds to the extended space 510 of embodiment 1.
- FIG. 8B shows a variation of the intermediate case 2600 .
- a plurality of projections 2670 projecting inward are provided in the intermediate case 2600 .
- the space between the inner case 2220 and the intermediate case 2600 forms a spiral shape of the first discharge path 2332 .
- the length of the first discharge path 2332 is extended so that the temperature of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is further reduced.
- the first discharge path 2332 is formed in the space between the inner case 2220 and the intermediate case 2600
- the second discharge path 2234 is formed in the space between the intermediate case 2600 and the outer case 2100 . Therefore, the path on which the high-temperature high-pressure gas travels can be extended. Since the path on which the high-temperature high-pressure gas travels in the storage battery module 1000 is extended, the high-temperature high-pressure gas can be cooled. Since the high-temperature high-pressure gas is cooled, the high-temperature high-pressure gas emitted from a battery undergoing thermal runaway can be inhibited from from being discharged outside.
- the second discharge path 2334 passes through the extended space 2510 provided between a) the space between the intermediate case 2600 and the outer case 2100 and b) the outer discharge port 2520 . Since the pressure of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is reduced, the high-temperature high-pressure gas can be cooled.
- the storage battery module may further include an intermediate case ( 2600 ) housing the inner case ( 2220 ) and housed in the outer case ( 2100 ).
- An intermediate discharge port ( 2264 ) is provided at the second position ( 2302 ) of the intermediate case ( 2600 ), the first discharge path ( 2332 ) is formed in a space between the inner case ( 2220 ) and the intermediate case ( 2600 ), and the second discharge path ( 2334 ) is formed in a space between the intermediate case ( 2600 ) and the outer case ( 2100 ).
- the second discharge path ( 2334 ) passes through an extended space ( 2510 ) provided between a) a space between the intermediate case ( 2600 ) and the outer case ( 2100 ) and b) the outer discharge port ( 2520 ).
- embodiment 3 relates to a storage battery module in which a plurality of storage battery cells are housed.
- the outer case made of metal is provided in the outermost part of the storage battery module.
- a resin cover is provided outside the outer case for the purpose of increasing the flexibility of a structure for attaching a charger or a load apparatus to the storage battery module, and improving the design of the storage battery module.
- the description below highlights a difference from embodiment 1.
- FIGS. 9A-9D are perspective views showing a structure of a storage battery module 3000 .
- FIGS. 9A-9D an orthogonal coordinate system like the ones above is defined.
- FIG. 9A shows an appearance of the storage battery module 3000 .
- the storage battery module 3000 includes a resin cover 3700 .
- the resin cover 3700 is made of resin and has a shape of a box elongated in the vertical direction when a first resin cover 3710 and a second resin cover 3720 are combined. Further, a rod-shaped handle 3410 is provided in the first resin cover 3710 .
- the appearance of the storage battery module 3000 is mainly produced by resin.
- FIG. 9B shows a structure revealed when the first resin cover 3710 of FIG. 9A is removed.
- An outer case 3100 and a battery holder 3230 are provided inside the resin cover 3700 .
- the outer case 3100 has a structure similar to that of the outer case 100 of embodiment 1 so that a description thereof is omitted.
- the outer case 3100 may have a structure similar to that of the outer case 2100 of embodiment 2.
- a discharge port (not shown) is provided in the neighborhood of the outer discharge port 520 of embodiment 1 or the outer discharge port 2520 of embodiment 2.
- FIG. 9C shows a structure revealed when the second resin cover 3720 and the outer case 3100 of FIG. 9B are removed.
- the battery holder 3230 , a front case 3240 , and a rear case 3250 are provided inside the outer case 3100 .
- the combination of the battery holder 3230 , the front case 3240 , and the rear case 3250 is an inner case 3220 .
- the inner case 3220 , the battery holder 3230 , the front case 3240 , and the rear case 3250 have a structure similar to that of the inner case 220 , the battery holder 230 , the front case 240 , and the rear case 250 of embodiment 1 so that a description thereof is omitted.
- the inner case 3220 may have a structure similar to that of the inner case 2220 and the intermediate case 2600 of embodiment 2.
- FIG. 9C shows a structure revealed when the front case 3240 of FIG. 9C is removed.
- the battery holder 3230 is provided inside the front case 3240 and the rear case 3250 .
- the battery holder 3230 has a structure similar to that of the battery holder 230 of embodiment 1 but may have a structure similar to that of the battery holder 2230 of embodiment 2.
- the resin cover 3700 is provided in the outermost part so that the flexibility of a structure for attaching a charger or a load apparatus to the storage battery module 3000 can be increased. Since the resin cover 3700 is provided in the outermost part, the flexibility of the design of the storage battery module 3000 is also increased. Since the flexibility of the design of the storage battery module 3000 is increased, the design of the storage battery module 3000 is improved.
- the plurality of storage battery cells 210 or the plurality of storage battery cells 2210 are arranged to face two types of directions. Alternatively, however, the plurality of storage battery cells 210 or the plurality of storage battery cells 2210 may be arranged to face the same direction. According to this variation, the flexibility in the configuration is improved.
- the high-temperature high-pressure gas emitted from a battery undergoing thermal runaway is inhibited from being discharged outside.
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Abstract
An inner case houses a plurality of storage battery cells. An outer case houses the inner case. A first inner discharge port is provided in the inner case, and an outer discharge port is provided in a lower case. A first discharge path from a first position at the first inner discharge port to a second position and a second discharge path from the second position to a third position at the outer discharge port are provided in a space between the inner case and the outer case.
Description
- The present disclosure relates to storage battery modules and, more particularly, to a storage battery module that houses a plurality of storage battery cells.
- High-capacity, high-voltage, high-output, and high-safety battery packs are in demand. When a battery is placed in an abnormal condition, and a high-temperature flammable gas is consequently emitted from inside, the housing of the battery pack that houses battery may be damaged, melted, or overheated, or the emitted flammable gas may be leaked outside the battery pack. Moreover, the heat generated by the flammable gas may cause adjacent batteries to be at a high temperature successively, with result that all batteries in the battery pack may become abnormal, or the housing of the battery pack may be melted by the heat. To prevent this, the battery pack is provided with an opening for discharging the flammable gas outside (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).
- [Patent Literature 1] JP2009-135088
- When the size of the battery pack is reduced, the distance between the battery emitting the flammable gas and the opening becomes short. As a result, the high-temperature high-pressure gas is discharged outside from the opening of the battery pack.
- The present disclosure addresses the above-described issue, and a general purpose thereof is to provide a technology for inhibiting the high-temperature high-pressure gas emitted from a battery undergoing thermal runaway from being discharged outside.
- A storage battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of storage battery cells; an inner case that houses the plurality of storage battery cells; and an outer case that houses the inner case. An inner discharge port is provided in the inner case, an outer discharge port is provided in the outer case, and a first discharge path from a first position at the inner discharge port to a second position and a second discharge path from the second position to a third position at the outer discharge port are provided in a space between the inner case and the outer case.
- According to the present disclosure, the high-temperature high-pressure gas emitted from a battery undergoing thermal runaway is inhibited from being discharged outside.
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FIGS. 1A-1D are perspective views showing a structure of a storage battery module according to embodiment 1; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of the storage battery module ofFIGS. 1A-1D ; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of the storage battery module ofFIGS. 1A-1D ; -
FIG. 4 is another partial perspective view showing a structure of the storage battery module ofFIGS. 1A-1D ; -
FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional view showing a structure of the storage battery module ofFIGS. 1A-1D ; -
FIGS. 6A-6B are perspective views showing a structure of a storage battery module according to embodiment 2; -
FIGS. 7A-7D are further perspective views showing a structure of the storage battery module ofFIGS. 6A-6B ; -
FIGS. 8A-8B show a discharge path of the high-temperature high-pressure gas in the storage battery module ofFIGS. 6A-6B ; and -
FIGS. 9A-9D are perspective views showing a structure of a storage battery module according to embodiment 3. - A summary of embodiment 1 will be given before describing the embodiments of the present disclosure in specific details. This embodiment relates to a storage battery module in which a plurality of storage battery cells are housed. In the case the storage battery is a lithium ion secondary battery, a gas is generated in the storage battery cell in the event that an internal short-circuit occurs. Generation of the gas increases the pressure in the storage battery cell, but the safety mechanism discharges the gas from the anode side outside the storage battery cell. The gas in this case is at a high temperature and a high pressure so that combustion induced by the gas causes other storage battery cells in the storage battery module to undergo thermal runaway (catch fire). The spread of fire may burn the entirety of the storage battery module or the entire product. To inhibit combustion induced by the gas, it is effective to provide a discharge port in the storage battery module to discharge the gas out of the storage battery module from the discharge port. However, downsizing of a storage battery module reduces a distance between each storage battery cell and the discharge port. As a result, the high-temperature high-pressure gas would be discharged directly from the discharge port, creating a dangerous situation outside.
- In the storage battery module according to this embodiment, a plurality of storage battery cells are housed in an inner case, and the inner case is housed in an outer case. An inner discharge port is provided in the inner case, and an outer discharge port is provided in the outer case. Further, a discharge path on which the high-temperature high-pressure gas is circulated is provided between the inner case and the outer case. With such a structure, the high-temperature high-pressure gas emitted from the storage battery cell moves inside the inner case and is discharged out of the inner case from the inner discharge port. The high-temperature high-pressure gas discharged outside the inner case passes through the discharge path and is discharged out of the outer case from the outer discharge port. As a result, the path on which the high-temperature high-pressure gas travels in the storage battery module is extended, and the area of contact between the outer case/inner case and the high-temperature, high-pressure gas is increased. This cools the high-temperature high-pressure gas in the storage battery module. The terms “parallel” and “perpendicular” in the following description not only encompass completely parallel or perpendicular but also encompass slightly off-parallel and off-vertical within the margin of error. The term “substantially” means identical within certain limits.
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FIGS. 1A-1D are perspective views showing a structure of astorage battery module 1000. As shown inFIGS. 1A-1D , an orthogonal coordinate system including an x axis, y axis, and a z axis is defined. The x axis and y axis are orthogonal to each other in the bottom plane of thestorage battery module 1000. The z axis is perpendicular to the x axis and y axis and extends in the height (vertical) direction of thestorage battery module 1000. The positive directions of the x axis, y axis, and z axis are defined in the directions of arrows inFIGS. 1A-1D , and the negative directions are defined in the directions opposite to those of the arrows. Further, the positive direction side along the x axis may be referred to as “forward” or “frontward”, the negative direction side along the x axis may be referred to as “behind” or “rearward”, the positive direction side along the z axis may be referred to as “upward” or “toward the top”, and the negative direction side along the z axis may be referred to as “downward” or “toward the bottom”. Further, the positive direction side along the y axis may be referred to as “rightward”, and the negative direction side along the y axis may be referred to as “leftward”. -
FIG. 1A shows an appearance of astorage battery module 1000. Thestorage battery module 1000 includes anouter case 100, anupper case 400, and alower case 500. Like theouter case 100, theupper case 400 and thelower case 500 are also exposed outside and so may be included in theouter case 100. The combination of theouter case 100, theupper case 400, and thelower case 500 have a box shape elongated in the vertical direction. Theouter case 100 includes a firstouter plate 110 a, a secondouter plate 110 b, a thirdouter plate 110 c, and a fourthouter plate 110 d (not shown), which are generically referred to as outer plates 110, and is located on the side surfaces of the box shape. Each outer plate 110 has a shape of a rectangular plate and is made of, for example, metal. - The
upper case 400 is connected to the upper side of theouter case 100 and represents the lid part of theouter case 100. An arch-shapedhandle 410 projecting upward is provided in theupper case 400. Theupper case 400 is made of, for example, resin or metal. Thelower case 500 is connected to the lower side of theouter case 100 and represents the bottom part of theouter case 100. Thelower case 500 has a shape projecting further downward from theouter case 100. Thelower case 500 is made of, for example, resin. -
FIG. 1B shows a structure revealed when theouter case 100 ofFIG. 1A is removed. Afront case 240 and arear case 250 are provided inside theouter case 100. Thefront case 240 includes a front casefront surface 242 and a frontcase side surface 244. The front casefront surface 242 has a shape of a rectangular plate extending on the x-y plane, and the frontcase side surface 244 has a shape of a rectangular plate extending on the z-x plane. The frontcase side surface 244 is provided to extend rearward from the right side end of the front casefront surface 242. Therear case 250 includes a rear caserear surface 252 and a rearcase side surface 254. The rear caserear surface 252 has a shape of a rectangular plate extending on the x-y plane, and the rearcase side surface 254 has a shape of a rectangular plate extending on the z-x plane. The rearcase side surface 254 is provided to extend frontward from the right side end of the rear caserear surface 252. - The front
case side surface 244 and the rearcase side surface 254 are connected such that the rear end of the frontcase side surface 244 and the front end of the rearcase side surface 254 are in contact. As a result, the frontcase side surface 244 and the rearcase side surface 254 form a single surface, and the surface is referred to as asecond surface 272. In association with thesecond surface 272, the front casefront surface 242 is referred to as afirst surface 270, and the rear caserear surface 252 is referred to as athird surface 274. Thefirst surface 270 faces the firstouter plate 110 a of theouter case 100. Thesecond surface 272 faces the secondouter plate 110 b of theouter case 100 and is adjacent to thefirst surface 270. Further, thethird surface 274 faces the thirdouter plate 110 c of theouter case 100, is adjacent to thesecond surface 272, and faces a direction opposite to thefirst surface 270. In other words, the combination of thefront case 240 and therear case 250 has three rectangular surfaces. Thefront case 240 and therear case 250 are made of, for example, metal. The detail of the structure in thefront case 240 and therear case 250 will be described in detail later. -
FIG. 1C shows a structure revealed when thefront case 240 ofFIG. 1B is removed. Abattery holder 230 is provided inside thefront case 240 and therear case 250. Thebattery holder 230 has a box shape elongated in the vertical direction. Thebattery holder 230 is made of an insulative material such as resin.FIG. 1D shows a structure revealed when thebattery holder 230 ofFIG. 1C is removed. A firststorage battery assembly 200 a, a secondstorage battery assembly 200 b, a thirdstorage battery assembly 200 c, and a fourthstorage battery assembly 200 d, which are generically referred to as storage battery assemblies 200, are arranged in the vertical direction inside thebattery holder 230. Eightstorage battery cells 210 are included in each storage battery assembly 200. The number of storage battery assemblies 200 is not limited to “4”, and the number ofstorage battery cells 210 included in one storage battery assembly 200 is not limited to “8”. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of thestorage battery module 1000. Thestorage battery module 1000 includes anouter case 100, abattery holder 230, afront case 240, arear case 250, anupper case 400, alower case 500, anupper packing 600, and alower packing 610. These constituting elements are connected by screws, welding, adhesive materials, etc. A publicly known technology may be used so that a description thereof is omitted. - As described above, the
battery holder 230 has a box shape elongated in the vertical direction and houses the firststorage battery assembly 200 a through the fourthstorage battery assembly 200 d. Each storage battery assembly 200 includes a plurality ofstorage battery cells 210. Thestorage battery cell 210 is, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery having a columnar shape. Ananode 212 and acathode 214 facing opposite directions are provided at the ends of columnar shape of thestorage battery cell 210. A publicly known technology may be used for thestorage battery cell 210. A safety mechanism for discharging a high-temperature high-pressure gas outside when the internal pressure rises due to the occurrence of internal short-circuit, etc. Generally, the high-temperature high-pressure gas is discharged from theanode 212. Some of the plurality ofstorage battery cells 210 are provided such that theanode 212 faces frontward, and the rest of thestorage battery cells 210 are provided such that thecathode 214 faces frontward. The former represents arranging theanode 212 to face thefirst surface 270, and the latter represents arranging thecathode 214 to face thefirst surface 270. For example, the number ofstorage battery cells 210 arranged in the former manner and the number ofstorage battery cells 210 arranged in the latter manner are identical. - The front surface and a portion of the right surface of the
battery holder 230 are covered by thefront case 240, and the rear surface and the remaining portion of the right surface of thebattery holder 230 are covered by therear case 250. The combination of thebattery holder 230, thefront case 240, and therear case 250 is aninner case 220, and theinner case 220 houses a plurality ofstorage battery cells 210 inside. - A
left side wall 280 extending in the vertical direction is provided at the left edge of thefirst surface 270 of thefront case 240. Theleft side wall 280 projects frontward to be in contact with the firstouter plate 110 a of theouter case 100. Aright side wall 282 extending in the vertical direction is provided at the right edge of thefirst surface 270 of thefront case 240. Theright side wall 282 also projects frontward to be in contact with the firstouter plate 110 a of theouter case 100. Theleft side wall 280 extends across substantially the entirety of thefirst surface 270 in the vertical direction, but theright side wall 282 extends in a length shorter than theleft side wall 280, and apassage groove 284 is provided above theright side wall 282. Thepassage groove 284 connects thefirst surface 270 and thesecond surface 272 continuously. A firstinner discharge port 260 a extending in the horizontal direction is provided on the lower side of the area of thefirst surface 270 sandwiched by theleft side wall 280 and theright side wall 282. The firstinner discharge port 260 a extends through thefirst surface 270. - Meanwhile, the
third surface 274 of therear case 250 has a structure similar to that of thefirst surface 270. Therefore, like thepassage groove 284 in thefirst surface 270, apassage groove 294 is provided in thethird surface 274. Thepassage groove 294 connects thethird surface 274 and thesecond surface 272 continuously. In association with the firstinner discharge port 260 a in thefirst surface 270, a secondinner discharge port 260 b extending in the horizontal direction is provided in the lower part of thethird surface 274. The secondinner discharge port 260 b extends through thethird surface 274. - Further, as also shown in
FIG. 1B , anintermediate discharge port 264 extending in the horizontal direction is provided in the lower part of thesecond surface 272. Theintermediate discharge port 264 opens to be connected to anextended space 510 provided inside thelower case 500. Theextended space 510 is a space that opens upward. The opening of theextended space 510 is blocked by thebattery holder 230, thefront case 240, and therear case 250 outside the portion connected to theintermediate discharge port 264. Further, theextended space 510 is connected to an outer discharge port (not shown) provided in thelower case 500. Thelower case 500 is connected to theouter case 100 via thelower packing 610, and theouter case 100 is connected to theupper case 400 via theupper packing 600. In this way, theouter case 100 houses thebattery holder 230, thefront case 240, and therear case 250. - A description will now be given of a path on which a high-temperature high-pressure gas emitted from the
storage battery cell 210 when thestorage battery cell 210 undergoes thermal runaway is discharged from thestorage battery module 1000.FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of thestorage battery module 1000 and is an A-A′ cross-sectional view ofFIG. 1A . As described above, a plurality ofstorage battery cells 210 are arranged in thebattery holder 230, and one of the cells is shown as a firststorage battery cell 210 a. The firststorage battery cell 210 a is provided such that theanode 212 faces frontward, and thecathode 214 faces rearward. - In the case the first
storage battery cell 210 a undergoes thermal runaway, the firststorage battery cell 210 a emits a high-temperature high-pressure gas from theanode 212. The space between thebattery holder 230 and thefirst surface 270 opens in the firstinner discharge port 260 a so that the high-temperature high-pressure gas is guided to the firstinner discharge port 260 a as it comes into contact with thefirst surface 270. As the high-temperature high-pressure gas comes into contact with thefirst surface 270, the temperature of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is reduced. The path from thestorage battery cell 210 to afirst position 300 where the firstinner discharge port 260 a is provided is referred to as a firstinner discharge path 330 a. - The high-temperature high-pressure gas is discharged from the first
inner discharge port 260 a to the space between thefirst surface 270 and the firstouter plate 110 a and is guided to asecond position 302 as it comes into contact with thefirst surface 270 and the firstouter plate 110 a. As the high-temperature high-pressure gas comes into contact thefirst surface 270 and the firstouter plate 110 a, the temperature of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is reduced. The second position is a portion connected to thesecond surface 272 and includes, for example, thepassage groove 284 and thepassage groove 294. The path from thefirst position 300 to thesecond position 302 is referred to as afirst discharge path 332. In other words, thefirst discharge path 332 includes the firstinner discharge port 260 a and is formed on thefirst surface 270. - The
storage battery cell 210 adjacent to the firststorage battery cell 210 a is shown as a secondstorage battery cell 210 b. The secondstorage battery cell 210 b is provided such that theanode 212 faces rearward, and thecathode 214 faces frontward. In the case the secondstorage battery cell 210 b undergoes thermal runaway, the secondstorage battery cell 210 b emits a high-temperature high-pressure gas from theanode 212. The space between thebattery holder 230 and thethird surface 274 opens in the secondinner discharge port 260 b so that the high-temperature high-pressure gas is guided to the secondinner discharge port 260 b as it comes into contact with thethird surface 274. As the high-temperature high-pressure gas comes into contact with thethird surface 274, the temperature of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is reduced. The path from thestorage battery cell 210 to athird position 304 where the secondinner discharge port 260 b is provided is referred to as a secondinner discharge path 330 b. - The high-temperature high-pressure gas is discharged from the second
inner discharge port 260 b to the space between thethird surface 274 and the thirdouter plate 110 c and is guided to thesecond position 302 as it comes into contact with thethird surface 274 and the thirdouter plate 110 c. As the high-temperature high-pressure gas comes into contact with thethird surface 274 and the thirdouter plate 110 c, the temperature of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is reduced. The path from thethird position 304 to thesecond position 302 is referred to as athird discharge path 336. In other words, thethird discharge path 336 includes the secondinner discharge port 260 b and is formed on thethird surface 274. -
FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing a structure of thestorage battery module 1000 and shows the upper part of thestorage battery module 1000. The high-temperature high-pressure gas traveling along thefirst discharge path 332 moves from thepassage groove 284 to thesecond surface 272. Meanwhile, the high-temperature high-pressure gas traveling along thethird discharge path 336 moves from thepassage groove 294 to thesecond surface 272. The part including thepassage groove 284 and thepassage groove 294 is shown, as described above, as thesecond position 302, and the high-temperature high-pressure gas moves from thesecond position 302 as it comes into contact with thesecond surface 272 and the secondouter plate 110 b. As the high-temperature high-pressure gas comes into contact with thesecond surface 272 and the secondouter plate 110 b, the temperature of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is reduced. The path from thesecond position 302 is referred to as asecond discharge path 334. In other words, thesecond discharge path 334 is formed on thesecond surface 272. -
FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional view showing a structure of thestorage battery module 1000 and is a B-B′ cross-sectional view ofFIG. 1A . The high-temperature high-pressure gas from thesecond position 302 travels to theintermediate discharge port 264 as it comes into contact with thesecond surface 272 and the secondouter plate 110 b and is discharged from theintermediate discharge port 264 to theextended space 510. Theextended space 510 is larger than the inner discharge path 330, thefirst discharge path 332 and is larger than thesecond discharge path 334 and thethird discharge path 336 leading to theextended space 510. As the high-temperature high-pressure gas enters the extendedspace 510, the pressure of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is reduced, and the temperature of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is reduced. Further, anouter discharge port 520 connected to theextended space 510 is provided in the lower part of thelower case 500. Theouter discharge port 520 extends through thelower case 500. The high-temperature high-pressure gas in theextended space 510 is discharged outside from theouter discharge port 520. The path from thesecond position 302 to thethird position 304 where theouter discharge port 520 is located is thesecond discharge path 334. - The rear surface of the
battery holder 230 is shown as afourth surface 276. Thefourth surface 276 faces the fourthouter plate 110 d of theouter case 100, is adjacent to thefirst surface 270 and thethird surface 274, and faces a direction opposite to thesecond surface 272. - The
left side wall 280, etc. provided on thefirst surface 270 prevents the high-temperature high-pressure gas from entering the space between thefourth surface 276 and the fourthouter plate 110 d. Therefore, the temperature in the space between thefourth surface 276 and the fourthouter plate 110 d is not raised easily by the high-temperature high-pressure gas. Acontrol circuit 278 is provided on thefourth surface 276. Thecontrol circuit 278 is, for example, a circuit for controlling charging or discharging in thestorage battery module 1000. Aconnection terminal 530 is provided in the neighborhood of theouter discharge port 520 in the lower part of thelower case 500. Theconnection terminal 530 is a part connected to a charging table (not shown) to charge thestorage battery module 1000. Theconnection terminal 530 and thestorage battery cell 210 are connected by acable 540. - According to this embodiment, the high-temperature high-pressure gas emitted from the
storage battery cell 210 is discharged from theouter discharge port 520 via thefirst discharge path 332 and thesecond discharge path 334. Therefore, the path on which the high-temperature high-pressure gas travels in thestorage battery module 1000 can be extended. Since the path on which the high-temperature high-pressure gas travels in thestorage battery module 1000 is extended, the high-temperature high-pressure gas can be cooled. Since the high-temperature high-pressure gas is cooled, the high-temperature high-pressure gas emitted from a battery undergoing thermal runaway can be inhibited from from being discharged outside. Since thefirst discharge path 332 is formed on thefirst surface 270 in theinner case 220 and thesecond discharge path 334 is formed on thesecond surface 272, thefirst discharge path 332 and thesecond discharge path 334 can be arranged in a streamlined fashion. Since thefirst discharge path 332 and thesecond discharge path 334 can be arranged in a streamlined fashion, the size of thestorage battery module 1000 can be reduced. - Since the
second discharge path 334 passes through theextended space 510 provided between thesecond surface 272 and theouter discharge port 520, the pressure of the high-temperature high-pressure gas can be reduced. Since the pressure of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is reduced, the high-temperature high-pressure gas can be cooled. - Further, the
storage battery cell 210 with theanode 212 facing thefirst surface 270 and thestorage battery cell 210 with theanode 212 faces thethird surface 274 can be arranged. Since thefourth surface 276 is provided separately from thefirst surface 270 through thethird surface 274, the impact of the high-temperature high-pressure gas can be reduced on thefourth surface 276. Since the impact of the high-temperature high-pressure gas can be reduced on thefourth surface 276, the temperature of thecontrol circuit 278 is inhibited from rising. Since thecontrol circuit 278 is provided on thefourth surface 276, the arrangement can be streamlined. Since the arrangement can be streamlined, the size of thestorage battery module 1000 can be reduced. - A summary of an embodiment of the present disclosure is given below. A storage battery module (1000, 2000) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of storage battery cells (210, 2210); an inner case (220, 2220) that houses the plurality of storage battery cells (210, 2210); and an outer case (100, 2100) that houses the inner case (220, 2220). An inner discharge port (260, 2260) is provided in the inner case (220, 2220), an outer discharge port (520, 2520) is provided in the outer case (100, 2100), and a first discharge path (332, 2332) from a first position (300, 2300) at the inner discharge port (260, 2260) to a second position (302, 2302) and a second discharge path (334, 2334) from the second position (302, 2302) to a third position (304, 2304) at the outer discharge port (520, 2520) are provided in a space between the inner case (220, 2220) and the outer case (100, 2100).
- The inner case (220) may include a first surface (270) facing the outer case (100) and a second surface (272) facing the outer case (100) and adjacent to the first surface (270). The first discharge path (332) is formed on the first surface (270), and the second discharge path (334) is formed on the second surface (272).
- The inner discharge port (260) is provided on the first surface (270), the outer discharge port (520) is provided outside the second surface (272), and the second discharge path (334) passes through an extended space (510) provided between the second surface (272) and the outer discharge port (520).
- The inner case (220) may further include a third surface (274) that faces the outer case (100), is adjacent to the second surface (272), and faces a direction opposite to the first surface (270). Some of the plurality of storage battery cells (210) may be provided in the inner case (220) such that an anode (212) faces the first surface (270), the rest of the plurality of storage battery cells (210) may be provided in the inner case (220) such that the anode (212) faces the third surface (274), the inner discharge port (260) may include a first inner discharge port (260 a ) provided on the first surface (270) and a second inner discharge port (260 b ) provided on the third surface (274). The first discharge path (332) may include the first inner discharge port (260 a ). A third discharge path (336) for joining the second discharge path (334) leading from the second inner discharge port (260) is provided on the third surface (274) in a space between the inner case (220) and the outer case (100).
- The inner case (220) may further include a fourth surface (276) that faces the outer case (100), is adjacent to the first surface (270) and the third surface (274), and faces a direction opposite to the second surface (272). A control circuit (278) is provided on the fourth surface (276).
- (Embodiment 2)
- A description will now be given of embodiment 2. Like embodiment 1, embodiment 2 relates to a storage battery module in which a plurality of storage battery cells are housed. In embodiment 1, the first discharge path and the second discharge path are formed by using different surfaces of the inner case. In embodiment 2, an intermediate case is provided between the outer case and the inner case, the first discharge path is formed between the inner case and the intermediate case, and the second discharge path is formed between the intermediate case and the outer case. The description below highlights a difference from embodiment 1.
-
FIGS. 6A-6B are perspective views showing a structure of astorage battery module 2000.FIG. 6A shows an appearance of thestorage battery module 2000, andFIG. 6B is a perspective view of thestorage battery module 2000 from below. Thestorage battery module 2000 includes anouter case 2100 and alower case 2500. Like theouter case 2100, thelower case 2500 is also exposed outside and so may be included in theouter case 2100. Theouter case 2100 has a shape of a box elongated in the vertical direction. Theouter case 2100 includes a firstouter plate 2110 a, a secondouter plate 2110 b, a thirdouter plate 2110 c, and a fourthouter plate 2110 d, which are generically referred to as outer plates 2110, an outer caselower surface 2120, and an outer caseupper surface 2130. Each outer plate 2110, the outer caselower surface 2120, and the outer caseupper surface 2130 have a shape of a rectangular plate and are made of, for example, metal. - An arch-shaped
handle 2410 projecting upward is provided on the outer caseupper surface 2130. Thelower case 2500 has a shape of a box and is connected to the outer caselower surface 2120 of theouter case 2100. Aconnection terminal 2530 is provided on the bottom surface of thelower case 2500, and twoouter discharge ports 2520 are provided to sandwich theconnection terminal 2530. Theconnection terminal 2530 and theouter discharge port 2520 correspond to theconnection terminal 530 and theouter discharge port 520 of embodiment 1. Thelower case 2500 is made of, for example, resin. -
FIG. 6A shows the interior of theouter case 2100 transparently. Anintermediate case 2600 is provided in theouter case 2100. Like theouter case 2100, theintermediate case 2600 has a shape of a box elongated in the vertical direction and is made of, for example, metal. The structure of theouter case 2100 will be described later. -
FIGS. 7A-7D are further perspective views showing a structure of thestorage battery module 2000.FIG. 7A shows the structure of theouter case 2100 and thelower case 2500, and shows a structure similar to that ofFIG. 1A .FIG. 7b shows a structure of theintermediate case 2600 housed in theouter case 2100. Theintermediate case 2600 includes an intermediate casefront surface 2640, an intermediate caseright surface 2642, an intermediate caserear surface 2644, an intermediate case leftsurface 2646, an intermediate caseupper surface 2648, and an intermediate caselower surface 2650. These parts have a shape of a rectangular plate and are made of, for example, metal. A rectangularintermediate discharge port 2264 is provided on the intermediate caseupper surface 2648. Theintermediate discharge port 2264 extends through the intermediate caseupper surface 2648. -
FIG. 7C shows a structure of aninner case 2220 housed in theintermediate case 2600. The inner case includes aninner case 2220front surface 2240, an inner caseright surface 2242, an inner caserear surface 2244, an inner case leftsurface 2246, an inner caseupper surface 2248, and an inner caselower surface 2250. These parts have a shape of a rectangular plate and are made of, for example, metal. - Two rectangular
inner discharge ports 2260 are provided on the inner caselower surface 2250. Theinner discharge port 2260 corresponds to the inner discharge port 260 of embodiment 1 and extends through the inner caselower surface 2250. -
FIG. 7D shows a structure of abattery holder 2230 housed in theinner case 2220. A plurality ofstorage battery assemblies 2200 are housed in thebattery holder 2230, and eachstorage battery assembly 2200 includes a plurality ofstorage battery cells 2210. Some of the plurality ofstorage battery cells 2210 have ananode 2212 facing frontward, and the resto of the plurality ofstorage battery cells 2210 have acathode 2214 facing frontward. Thestorage battery assembly 2200, thestorage battery cell 2210, theanode 2212, thecathode 2214, and thebattery holder 2230 correspond to the storage battery assembly 200, thestorage battery cell 210, theanode 212, thecathode 214, and thebattery holder 230 of embodiment 1, respectively. - A description will now be given of a path on which a high-temperature high-pressure gas emitted from the
storage battery cell 2210 when thestorage battery cell 2210 undergoes thermal runaway is discharged from thestorage battery module 2000.FIGS. 8A-8B show a discharge path of the high-temperature high-pressure gas in thestorage battery module 2000.FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of thestorage battery module 2000 and is an C-C′ cross-sectional view ofFIG. 6A . As described above, a plurality ofstorage battery cells 2210 are arranged in thebattery holder 2230, and one of the cells is shown as a firststorage battery cell 2210 a. The firststorage battery cell 2210 a is provided such that theanode 2212 faces frontward, and thecathode 214 faces rearward. - In the case the first
storage battery cell 2210 a undergoes thermal runaway, the firststorage battery cell 2210 a emits a high-temperature high-pressure gas from theanode 2212. The space between thebattery holder 2230 and the inner casefront surface 2240 opens in theinner discharge port 2260 so that the high-temperature high-pressure gas is guided to theinner discharge port 2260 as it comes into contact with the inner casefront surface 2240. As the high-temperature high-pressure gas comes into contact with the inner casefront surface 2240, the temperature of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is reduced. The path from thestorage battery cell 2210 to afirst position 2300 where theinner discharge port 2260 is provided is referred to as aninner discharge path 2330. - The high-temperature high-pressure gas is discharged from the
inner discharge port 2260 to the space between the inner casefront surface 2240 and the intermediate casefront surface 2640 and to the space between the inner caserear surface 2244 and the intermediate caserear surface 2644. The high-temperature high-pressure gas is also discharged to the space between the inner caseright surface 2242 and the intermediate caseright surface 2642 and to the space between the inner case leftsurface 2246 and the intermediate case leftsurface 2646, although this is omitted inFIGS. 8A-8B . The high-temperature high-pressure gas is guided to thesecond position 2302 as it comes into contact with the inner casefront surface 2240 and then the inner case leftsurface 2246, and with the intermediate casefront surface 2640 and then the intermediate case leftsurface 2646. Anintermediate discharge port 2264 is provided at thesecond position 2302. As the high-temperature high-pressure gas comes into contact with the inner casefront surface 2240 and then the inner case leftsurface 2246, and with the intermediate casefront surface 2640 and then the intermediate case leftsurface 2646, the temperature of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is reduced. The path from thefirst position 2300 to thesecond position 2302 is referred to as afirst discharge path 2332. In other words, thefirst discharge path 2332 includes theinner discharge port 2260 and is formed in the space between theinner case 2220 and theintermediate case 2600. - The high-temperature high-pressure gas is discharged from the
intermediate discharge port 2264 to the space between the intermediate casefront surface 2640 and the firstouter plate 2110 a and to the space between the intermediate caserear surface 2644 and the thirdouter plate 2110 c. The high-temperature high-pressure gas is also discharged to the space between the intermediate caseright surface 2642 and the secondouter plate 2110 b and to the space between the intermediate case leftsurface 2646 and the fourthouter plate 2110 d, although this is omitted inFIGS. 8A-8B . The high-temperature high-pressure gas is guided to thethird position 2304 as it comes into contact with the intermediate casefront surface 2640 and then the intermediate case leftsurface 2646 and with the outer plate 2110. Theouter discharge port 2520 is provided at thethird position 2304. As the high-temperature high-pressure gas comes into contact with the intermediate casefront surface 2640 and then the intermediate case leftsurface 2646 and with the outer plate 2110, the temperature of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is reduced. The path from thesecond position 2302 to thethird position 2304 is referred to as asecond discharge path 2334. In other words, thesecond discharge path 2334 includes theintermediate discharge port 2264 and theouter discharge port 2520 and is formed in the space between theintermediate case 2600 and theouter case 2100. Further, thesecond discharge path 2334 passes through anextended space 2510 provided between the space and theouter discharge port 2520. Theextended space 2510 corresponds to theextended space 510 of embodiment 1. As the high-temperature high-pressure gas enters the extendedspace 2510, the pressure of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is reduced, and the temperature of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is reduced. -
FIG. 8B shows a variation of theintermediate case 2600. A plurality ofprojections 2670 projecting inward are provided in theintermediate case 2600. In the presence of the plurality ofprojections 2670, the space between theinner case 2220 and theintermediate case 2600 forms a spiral shape of thefirst discharge path 2332. As a result, the length of thefirst discharge path 2332 is extended so that the temperature of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is further reduced. - According to this embodiment, the
first discharge path 2332 is formed in the space between theinner case 2220 and theintermediate case 2600, and the second discharge path 2234 is formed in the space between theintermediate case 2600 and theouter case 2100. Therefore, the path on which the high-temperature high-pressure gas travels can be extended. Since the path on which the high-temperature high-pressure gas travels in thestorage battery module 1000 is extended, the high-temperature high-pressure gas can be cooled. Since the high-temperature high-pressure gas is cooled, the high-temperature high-pressure gas emitted from a battery undergoing thermal runaway can be inhibited from from being discharged outside. Since thesecond discharge path 2334 passes through the extendedspace 2510 provided between a) the space between theintermediate case 2600 and theouter case 2100 and b) theouter discharge port 2520, the pressure of the high-temperature high-pressure gas can be reduced. Since the pressure of the high-temperature high-pressure gas is reduced, the high-temperature high-pressure gas can be cooled. - A summary of an embodiment of the present disclosure is given below. The storage battery module may further include an intermediate case (2600) housing the inner case (2220) and housed in the outer case (2100). An intermediate discharge port (2264) is provided at the second position (2302) of the intermediate case (2600), the first discharge path (2332) is formed in a space between the inner case (2220) and the intermediate case (2600), and the second discharge path (2334) is formed in a space between the intermediate case (2600) and the outer case (2100).
- The second discharge path (2334) passes through an extended space (2510) provided between a) a space between the intermediate case (2600) and the outer case (2100) and b) the outer discharge port (2520).
- A description will now be given of embodiment 3. Like the foregoing embodiments, embodiment 3 relates to a storage battery module in which a plurality of storage battery cells are housed. In embodiments 1, 2, the outer case made of metal is provided in the outermost part of the storage battery module. In embodiment 3, a resin cover is provided outside the outer case for the purpose of increasing the flexibility of a structure for attaching a charger or a load apparatus to the storage battery module, and improving the design of the storage battery module. The description below highlights a difference from embodiment 1.
-
FIGS. 9A-9D are perspective views showing a structure of astorage battery module 3000. InFIGS. 9A-9D , an orthogonal coordinate system like the ones above is defined.FIG. 9A shows an appearance of thestorage battery module 3000. Thestorage battery module 3000 includes aresin cover 3700. Theresin cover 3700 is made of resin and has a shape of a box elongated in the vertical direction when afirst resin cover 3710 and asecond resin cover 3720 are combined. Further, a rod-shapedhandle 3410 is provided in thefirst resin cover 3710. Thus, the appearance of thestorage battery module 3000 is mainly produced by resin. -
FIG. 9B shows a structure revealed when thefirst resin cover 3710 ofFIG. 9A is removed. Anouter case 3100 and abattery holder 3230 are provided inside theresin cover 3700. Theouter case 3100 has a structure similar to that of theouter case 100 of embodiment 1 so that a description thereof is omitted. Alternatively, theouter case 3100 may have a structure similar to that of theouter case 2100 of embodiment 2. In theresin cover 3700 ofFIG. 9A , a discharge port (not shown) is provided in the neighborhood of theouter discharge port 520 of embodiment 1 or theouter discharge port 2520 of embodiment 2. -
FIG. 9C shows a structure revealed when thesecond resin cover 3720 and theouter case 3100 ofFIG. 9B are removed. Thebattery holder 3230, afront case 3240, and arear case 3250 are provided inside theouter case 3100. The combination of thebattery holder 3230, thefront case 3240, and therear case 3250 is aninner case 3220. Theinner case 3220, thebattery holder 3230, thefront case 3240, and therear case 3250 have a structure similar to that of theinner case 220, thebattery holder 230, thefront case 240, and therear case 250 of embodiment 1 so that a description thereof is omitted. Alternatively, theinner case 3220 may have a structure similar to that of theinner case 2220 and theintermediate case 2600 of embodiment 2. -
FIG. 9C shows a structure revealed when thefront case 3240 ofFIG. 9C is removed. Thebattery holder 3230 is provided inside thefront case 3240 and therear case 3250. As described above, thebattery holder 3230 has a structure similar to that of thebattery holder 230 of embodiment 1 but may have a structure similar to that of thebattery holder 2230 of embodiment 2. - According to this embodiment, the
resin cover 3700 is provided in the outermost part so that the flexibility of a structure for attaching a charger or a load apparatus to thestorage battery module 3000 can be increased. Since theresin cover 3700 is provided in the outermost part, the flexibility of the design of thestorage battery module 3000 is also increased. Since the flexibility of the design of thestorage battery module 3000 is increased, the design of thestorage battery module 3000 is improved. - Given above is a description of the present disclosure based on an exemplary embodiment. The embodiment is intended to be illustrative only and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications to constituting elements and processes could be developed and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
- In the embodiments, the plurality of
storage battery cells 210 or the plurality ofstorage battery cells 2210 are arranged to face two types of directions. Alternatively, however, the plurality ofstorage battery cells 210 or the plurality ofstorage battery cells 2210 may be arranged to face the same direction. According to this variation, the flexibility in the configuration is improved. - According to the present disclosure, the high-temperature high-pressure gas emitted from a battery undergoing thermal runaway is inhibited from being discharged outside.
- 100 outer case, 110 outer plate, 200 storage battery assembly, 210 storage battery cell, 212 anode, 214 cathode, 220 inner case, 230 battery holder, 240 front case, 242 front case front surface, 244 front case side surface, 250 rear case, 252 rear case rear surface, 254 rear case side surface, 260 inner discharge port, 264 intermediate discharge port, 270 first surface, 272 second surface, 274 third surface, 276 fourth surface, 278 control circuit, 280 left side wall, 282 right side wall, 284, 294 passage groove, 300 first position, 302 second position, 304 third position, 330
inner discharge port 332, first discharge path, 334 second discharge path, 336 third discharge path, 400 upper case, 410 handle, 500 lower case, 510 extended space, 520 outer discharge port, 530 connection terminal, 540 cable, 600 upper packing, 610 lower packing, 1000 storage battery module
Claims (9)
1. A storage battery module comprising:
a plurality of storage battery cells;
an inner case that houses the plurality of storage battery cells; and
an outer case that houses the inner case, wherein
an inner discharge port is provided in the inner case,
an outer discharge port is provided in the outer case, and
a first discharge path from a first position at the inner discharge port to a second position and a second discharge path from the second position to a third position at the outer discharge port are provided in a space between the inner case and the outer case.
2. The storage battery module according to claim 1 , wherein
the inner case includes a first surface facing the outer case and a second surface facing the outer case and adjacent to the first surface,
the first discharge path is formed on the first surface, and
the second discharge path is formed on the second surface.
3. The storage battery module according to claim 2 , wherein
the inner discharge port is provided on the first surface,
the outer discharge port is provided outside the second surface, and
the second discharge path passes through an extended space provided between the second surface and the outer discharge port.
4. The storage battery module according to claim 2 , wherein
the inner case further includes a third surface that faces the outer case, is adjacent to the second surface, and faces a direction opposite to the first surface,
some of the plurality of storage battery cells are provided in the inner case such that an anode faces the first surface,
the rest of the plurality of storage battery cells are provided in the inner case such that the anode faces the third surface,
the inner discharge port includes a first inner discharge port provided on the first surface and a second inner discharge port provided on the third surface,
the first discharge path includes the first inner discharge port, and
a third discharge path for joining the second discharge path leading from the second inner discharge port is provided on the third surface in a space between the inner case and the outer case.
5. The storage battery module according to claim 3 , wherein
the inner case further includes a third surface that faces the outer case, is adjacent to the second surface, and faces a direction opposite to the first surface,
some of the plurality of storage battery cells are provided in the inner case such that an anode faces the first surface,
the rest of the plurality of storage battery cells are provided in the inner case such that the anode faces the third surface,
the inner discharge port includes a first inner discharge port provided on the first surface and a second inner discharge port provided on the third surface,
the first discharge path includes the first inner discharge port, and
a third discharge path for joining the second discharge path leading from the second inner discharge port is provided on the third surface in a space between the inner case and the outer case.
6. The storage battery module according to claim 4 , wherein
the inner case further includes a fourth surface that faces the outer case, is adjacent to the first surface and the third surface, and faces a direction opposite to the second surface, and a control circuit is provided on the fourth surface.
7. The storage battery module according to claim 5 , wherein
the inner case further includes a fourth surface that faces the outer case, is adjacent to the first surface and the third surface, and faces a direction opposite to the second surface, and a control circuit is provided on the fourth surface.
8. The storage battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising:
an intermediate case housing the inner case and housed in the outer case, wherein
an intermediate discharge port is provided at the second position of the intermediate case,
the first discharge path is formed in a space between the inner case and the intermediate case, and
the second discharge path is formed in a space between the intermediate case and the outer case.
9. The storage battery module according to claim 8 , wherein
the second discharge path passes through an extended space provided between a) a space between the intermediate case and the outer case and b) the outer discharge port.
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JP2019-015760 | 2019-01-31 | ||
JP2019015760A JP7233020B2 (en) | 2019-01-31 | 2019-01-31 | storage battery module |
PCT/JP2020/002016 WO2020158522A1 (en) | 2019-01-31 | 2020-01-22 | Storage battery module |
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EP (1) | EP3920260A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP7233020B2 (en) |
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CN113348585A (en) | 2021-09-03 |
WO2020158522A1 (en) | 2020-08-06 |
EP3920260A1 (en) | 2021-12-08 |
EP3920260A4 (en) | 2022-03-16 |
JP7233020B2 (en) | 2023-03-06 |
JP2020123540A (en) | 2020-08-13 |
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